The European Union will require all mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices to have a USB-C charging port by the end of 2024, which means Apple products like the iPhone and iPad will have to ditch the Lightning port. patented by the company.
European lawmakers have wanted a single standard for more than a decade, citing significant amounts of e-waste caused by unused chargers and the inconvenience experienced by Android and iPhone users needing different cables for different devices.
He decided to legislate after becoming frustrated with the industry's lack of progress in finding a compromise.
One charger to rule them all
The new rules cover e-readers, headphones, digital cameras, earphones and headphones, handheld video game consoles and portable speakers, while laptops will need to be installed within 40 months of the rules taking effect. Wireless charging isn't covered, but could be added later.
The new rules will also allow consumers to choose whether they want a charger when buying a new device. The EU says its new rules will encourage the reuse of charging equipment, saving consumers €250 million a year and avoiding 11.000 tonnes of electronic waste.
"Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe," said Alex Agius Saliba, European Parliament rapporteur on the issue. European consumers have long been frustrated by the accumulation of multiple chargers with each new device. From now on you can use a single charger for all your portable electronic devices. »
The use of USB-C will disproportionately affect Apple, which will have to create a special edition of its products for Europe or be forced to modify the design for all markets in the world. Apple has consistently opposed any injunction, arguing that it would create a huge amount of electronic waste as consumers get rid of their old Lightning chargers.
Via Reuters (Opens in a new tab)